Reviews summary

What's good

Performance

Display quality

Camera

Design

Wireless charging

Android 5.0 Lollipop

What's bad

No microSD support

Non-removable battery

Price

It’s time for another round of flagship upgrades from the big names in mobile devices. With the Galaxy S6, Samsung has finally made some recognizable changes to the familiar Galaxy S formula that users have either loved or hated. Will the S6 help Samsung claim the best phone of 2015? Let’s see what the initial reviews are saying!

One of the first things mentioned in many reviews of this new flagship device is the switch to a metal chassis design with Gorilla glass on the front and rear. At a thin 6.8mm thick, the phone appears to fix one of the biggest problems that many had with the design of the S5. Many reviews compare the design and sturdiness to the iPhone, with Trusted Reviews noting, “The fine detail on the S6 is on another level.” Forbes declared that it “makes some great gains in terms of style.”

Unfortunately, this upgraded design comes with a few drawbacks and two of the most criticized changes to the phone compared to previous models. To create a unibody design, Samsung decided to remove microSD card support and go with a non-removable battery pack. However, to help account for this, they have upgraded the storage of the base model to 32GB, with 64 and 128GB models available as well. The phone also supports both Qi and PWM wireless charging as well, a feature that Samsung is touting heavily about the new handset. They claim that with a single 10-minute charge you can pull more than 4 hours of battery life out of the phone.

Fortunately, this is virtually the only potential issue that reviews had with the S6. All reviews were positive for the phone’s 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display. Running at a resolution of 1440-by-2560 pixels, it packs in more than enough pixels for watching a movie on the plane or checking email. Trusted Reviews put the display through its paced and found that it “impresses with the brightness of its colours and outstanding contrast evident in videos and photos.”

Pushing all those pixels is a Samsung-exclusive octa-core Exynos processor with speeds up to 2.1GHz and 3GB of RAM. Samsung claims that the processor offers a 35-percent increase in efficiency while boosting performance as well. This is good news if you’re worried about the non-removable battery. Overall, performance appears stellar in most reviews. Engadget tried to find a hiccup in the device and failed, stating, “Thumbing through webpages, jumping in and out of open apps with the manic frenzy of a rabid squirrel and generally just trying to be a jerk didn't phase the S6 or S6 edge in the slightest.”

The S6 also runs Android 5.0 Lollipop with the latest version of Samsung’s TouchWiz UI. While reviews of past versions of TouchWiz were often less than great, Engadget, Trusted Reviews and Forbes all noted how much they liked the latest edition of Samsung’s interface. Most reviews found that it is less cluttered and more streamlined than previous versions, fixing many of the issues that reviewers and users had with it. The Verge noted, “Samsung also trimmed back the software features, claiming that there are 40 percent fewer features in the Galaxy S6 than the S5. Overall, the software feels largely the same as before, however.”

Lastly, if you like to snap photos and post selfies with your phone, reviews indicate that you’ll be more than pleased with the camera on the Galaxy S6. Boasting a 16MP rear-facing camera and optical image stabilization, reviews were surprised as just how fast the camera launched and captured shots. Both the front- and rear-facing cameras see upgrades to f/1.9 lenses and optimized software from Samsung. One of the biggest claims from Samsung is low-light performance and according to Trusted Reviews, the handset delivers, stating, “the low-light features blow the competition out of the water.”

Overall, reviews indicated that the S6 is one of the most refined Android devices to date. While die-hard fans of removable batteries and expandable storage might be disappointed, there are plenty of other reasons to love the phone. From wireless charging to LTE Cat 6 support, the phone offers plenty of cutting edge bells and whistles to keep even the most tech-savvy gadget lover happy.

Reviews
(8.5/10 Avg. rating)

Simply can’t go wrong with this

With the Galaxy S6, Samsung has given its customers exactly what they wanted, albeit sacrificing a few of its major selling points in the process. Samsung’s latest flagship is nothing like what I have ever seen from the company in the past, it has given the Galaxy brand the long-awaited reboot it needed to keep itself relevant in the mobile industry. The device is a combination of innovations, from the design to its powerful and power efficient hardware components, most of them being the world’s first in a smartphone...
Full review

Attractive design, a brilliant display, a powerful processor, and a crisp new camera

Five months after its release, the Samsung Galaxy S6 remains the best Android smartphone we've seen this year. The S6 has a revamped design that incorporates a premium glass-and-metal build, a gorgeous display, an improved camera, and a blazing-fast processor—making it one of the best-looking and best-performing phones Samsung has ever built...
Full review

Great design, great device

The Galaxy S6 is clearly a new lease on life for the Galaxy S line, with significant changes made to the design and TouchWiz UI, and I can safely say that it has been for the better. While Samsung decided to kill off two of its most defining characteristics – the removable battery and microSD card expansion – the Galaxy S6 has made up for these with impressive battery, processor and software optimizations, as well as the option of a 128 GB storage capacity variant (if you're willing to pay for it).

Well built, slim and gorgeous to look at

Another strong and capable handset from Samsung. I’m sitting on the fence about the lack of microSD card in particular, because I’ve got so used to having the ability to extend my on-board storage. The presence of the Microsoft Onedrive cloud storage is a help, but if you don’t have a good data plan or don’t fancy pushing your photos up to the cloud automatically then you have to choose the appropriate handset right from the get-go.

With the S6 I was impressed with the speedy charging in particular. I’m so sick and tired of looking at phones and seei...
Full review

Android at its finest

Once again, consumers in the market for a new Android phone have tough decisions to make. While hardcore Android purists will understandably opt for the Nexus 6 to get fast updates and greater tinker capabilities, the Galaxy S6 is the better choice for all others. It is a more well-rounded experience.

Samsung has crafted a phone that is not only a piece of art, but is a comfortable size and has superior security with biometrics. The fingerprint reader is more important than having the ability to run custom ROMS. In 2015, there is no excuse for any flagship smartphone to ship without...
Full review

All risk all reward

First and foremost, hands down the Samsung Galaxy S6 is one of the best Android smartphones on the market. While it still resembles the look of yesteryear Samsung devices on the front, the introduction into glass and metal is welcome. Omissions of microSD and removable batteries may alienate dedicated Samsung customers but I think if you give it a chance you might not miss it. The Galaxy S6 runs fast as hell and takes some of the best pictures out there. The battery does leave a bit to be desired but with options such as Wireless charging and Quick Charge 2.0 you can’t go wrong....
Full review

Image is everything

Samsung went back to the drawing board when it came to the S6 range. They stripped everything away from the Galaxy S5 including its type of processor, its plastic body and its stuttery, laggy and over-stuffed UI. When they did so, they also took away some of the most exciting features of the Galaxy range: its IP67 rating, the expandable memory slot and its replacable battery but when did, they also bestowed it with features that the paying public were bound to find irresistable- supermodel looks, the best display of all the flagships out there, in a size that would please everyone...
Full review

Attractive and powerful

Samsung simply killed it with the Galaxy S6. It may not have the raw sex appeal of its curvy brother, but the S6 offers an experience that is almost entirely the same. The Galaxy S6 is well designed and well made, with quality materials. The phone is a winner in most respects...
Full review

A complete reinvention of the Galaxy S line

The Galaxy S6 is in many ways a total departure from the Galaxy S phones that have come before it. The exterior changes are the most obvious, and from the seamless glass and metal construction to the Quad HD screen, this phone looks like Samsung leapfrogged a couple generations in the often evolutionary advancement of the Galaxy S line.

For those that valued the removable battery, microSD expansion or even the waterproofing found in the S5, I can only say that thankfully with Android, you always have options, and the Galaxy S just isn’t the option for you anymore.Full review

Didn't last

Had a S5 loved it. No problems, durable, long lasting. Moved up to the S6, big mistake. Lasted 6 months and decided to fry itself. Sent it in for warranty, they said it's my fault. How it's my fault is a mystery to me. It overheated on its on and wouldn't shut off. They have record of my p...
More

Had a S5 loved it. No problems, durable, long lasting. Moved up to the S6, big mistake. Lasted 6 months and decided to fry itself. Sent it in for warranty, they said it's my fault. How it's my fault is a mystery to me. It overheated on its on and wouldn't shut off. They have record of my phone call when it got extremely hot and wouldn't shut off. One Samsung worker said it is a board defect and should be covered under warranty and the other one said it was users fault. Guess which one Samsung went with. Don't offer warranty if your not going to honor it. Last Samsung I will ever buy. Going to call Apple at least they have warranty and you won't be without a phone for 4-6 weeks, that's if they fix it. Was without mine for 3wks to be told sorry about your luck.

love this product

Nice Smartphone

Samsung Galaxy is a nice looking smartphone. It has better display and camera quality as compare to other. It runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop and its comes with 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB storage. Samsung galaxy have fabulous features to give consumer better experiences.

Samsung Galaxy is a nice looking smartphone. It has better display and camera quality as compare to other. It runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop and its comes with 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB storage. Samsung galaxy have fabulous features to give consumer better experiences.
Less

Perfect Buy

Some of the features why i chose this phone in the first place. Its awesome battery backup for one. The amazing picture quality, the sleek stylish design, Its relatively faster than expected. Good storage, resolution is awesome. Overall a perfect buy.

Some of the features why i chose this phone in the first place. Its awesome battery backup for one. The amazing picture quality, the sleek stylish design, Its relatively faster than expected. Good storage, resolution is awesome. Overall a perfect buy.
Less

Classy & Elegant Smartphone with Best Performance

Samsung Galaxy S6 is well known for its power & performance and the reason behind is its octa-core processor. Moreover its 16+ megapixel camera is also the main reason for buying this phone as taking pictures with this phone is an amazing experience. I love to take selfies & its camera is superb fo...
More

Samsung Galaxy S6 is well known for its power & performance and the reason behind is its octa-core processor. Moreover its 16+ megapixel camera is also the main reason for buying this phone as taking pictures with this phone is an amazing experience. I love to take selfies & its camera is superb for taking selfies. Its Display quality is beyond comparison, which offers an amazing viewing experience with unbeatable clarity & clean & crisp interface selection.
Less

I really love this phone but after using 4-5 months, bubble started
appearing between Gorilla Glass and Base. There is no damage from any side.
This phone is currently under warranty period.
I contacted Samsung Service center but they refused to do under warranty. Asked to pay Rs.9000/-
Never exp...
More

I really love this phone but after using 4-5 months, bubble started
appearing between Gorilla Glass and Base. There is no damage from any side.
This phone is currently under warranty period.
I contacted Samsung Service center but they refused to do under warranty. Asked to pay Rs.9000/-
Never expected from Samsung to provide false promising.
It really break the trust.
Regards,
Monag Shah
Less

Very Disappointing

This is my third galaxy smartphone. (S2, S4, S6) I can say with 100% certainty that it is the worst phone I've ever owned. Horrible battery life, terrible service, horribly frustrating web browsing, clunky menus and keybosrds are just a few of the numerous shortfalls of this phone. In places where m...
More

This is my third galaxy smartphone. (S2, S4, S6) I can say with 100% certainty that it is the worst phone I've ever owned. Horrible battery life, terrible service, horribly frustrating web browsing, clunky menus and keybosrds are just a few of the numerous shortfalls of this phone. In places where my work phone (iphone 5s) is registering 3 solid bars of service my S6 shows no service. During times of constant searching for service this phone constantly gets stuck on "emergency calls only" The only way to regain service is to either reset the phone or set it into airplane mode and back again. I always must remain cognisent of this or risk the phone not receiving phone calls, emails, etc. All in all if you're looking for a expensive paperweight or like to constantly worry about whether or not your phone is receiving attempted contact go for it. Otherwise I'd look elsewhere.
Less

Galaxy S6 looks stylish and trendy

The Galaxy S6 has given the consumer a better looking phone, better camera, better display. But, at the end of the day, it is a consumer likes and preference which makes a smartphone thumb’s up or down. The Galaxy S6 looks stylish and trendy. This improvisation in the looks and the body of the Galax...
More

The Galaxy S6 has given the consumer a better looking phone, better camera, better display. But, at the end of the day, it is a consumer likes and preference which makes a smartphone thumb’s up or down. The Galaxy S6 looks stylish and trendy. This improvisation in the looks and the body of the Galaxy S6 was the prime attention puller. For more details you can visit Samsung India site.
Less

We want you to know that The Informr is an independent resource. While we aim to provide
you with the most accurate information and keep things up to date, prices and terms of products
and services can change. We encourage you to always do your own research and double check the
terms. Using the information on this site is at your own risk and without warranty.

You should also know that in some cases, we may receive compensation when you click on links or
purchase through links on this site. This is at no extra cost to you. It lets us operate the
business and keep the service free for everyone. Here's
How We Make Money.

Updating...

×

Are you on the best cell phone plan?Use our free comparison calculator to find out.